Spacer Elements for Thermal Decoupling in Incubator Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art laboratory temperature control devices, such as incubators, suffer from thermal bridges at connection points between the housing and chamber, leading to unwanted climate disturbances and energy loss, as well as condensation issues that can contaminate the environment and promote germ growth.
Innovation Solution
The use of spacer elements with low thermal conductivity, typically made from non-metallic materials like high-performance plastics, to thermally decouple the chamber from the housing, minimizing heat flow and mechanical stress while maintaining mechanical stability and preventing condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the chamber is directly connected to the housing for mechanical stability, then the structural strength is improved, but thermal bridges form causing heat loss and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spacer elements as intermediary components between the chamber and housing. These spacers are made of thermally insulating material (thermal conductivity < 15 W/(mK)) that mechanically connects the chamber to the housing while thermally isolating them, thus maintaining structural stability without creating thermal bridges
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer elements utilize composite material properties by selecting materials with specific thermal conductivity characteristics (< 15 W/(mK)). This allows the spacers to provide mechanical support while resisting heat transfer, effectively combining structural and thermal insulation functions in a single component
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional connecting means are used between chamber and housing, then mechanical stability is achieved, but condensation forms on chamber walls
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer elements act as thermal mediators that prevent direct heat transfer between the housing and chamber. By using material with low thermal conductivity, they eliminate the thermal bridges that cause local cooling and subsequent condensation on chamber walls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the connecting elements from conventional high-conductivity materials to low-conductivity materials (< 15 W/(mK)). This parameter change prevents the local cooling effect that leads to condensation while maintaining mechanical connection
3Strength
If additional connecting elements are added to stabilize the chamber, then mechanical stability is improved, but thermal bridges and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer elements perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support to stabilize the chamber, maintain the chamber at a defined distance from the housing, and serve as thermal insulators. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural and insulating components, reducing overall energy loss
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces thermal bridges, prevents condensation, and enhances energy efficiency by minimizing heat transfer between the chamber and housing, thereby maintaining a stable and clean environment for cell cultures.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer elements are each formed using a material with a thermal conductivity of less than 15 W/(mK)... Due to the low thermal conductivity of the spacer elements, they act as thermal insulators. The heat flow between chamber and housing is thus significantly reduced
Implementation Method 2
thermal bridges form at the connection points between the housing and the chamber... heat is locally removed via the thermal bridges leading to the outside, which leads to a local cooling of the inner walls near the joints and to condensation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to laboratory temperature control devices for storing laboratory samples. It particularly concerns incubators for the growth of cell cultures. Efficient measures for thermal decoupling of chamber and housing of the laboratory temperature control device are described.